James Anderson blasted for picking Ricky Ponting as wicketkeeper in all-time Ashes XI

England bowling great James Anderson has recently been facing immense criticism after naming his all-time Ashes XI during an appearance on TNT Sports. While the list featured several surprising selections, one decision triggered immense attention with Anderson handing the wicketkeeping gloves to former Australia captain Ricky Ponting. 

Anderson, the highest wicket-taker among fast bowlers in Test history, was asked to pick his dream Ashes lineup. However, despite the wealth of options, Anderson ended up forgetting to name a specialist keeper altogether. When he realised the omission, he casually announced that he would ‘give the gloves to Ricky Ponting,’ a role the Australian legend never performed at the professional level. The video posted by TNT Sports was soon deleted, but not before fans criticised the choices made by the English veteran.

Anderson names Ben Stokes as captain of his all-time Ashes XI

The conversation began controversially with Anderson selecting Don Bradman as his opener. Though widely regarded as the greatest batter of all time with a Test average of 99.94, Bradman never opened in his 52-match Test career. Anderson paired him with England’s Alastair Cook, a natural opener who played crucial roles in multiple Ashes victories.

At No. 3 came Ponting, a spot for the Australian great as a batter, but not as a wicketkeeper. Ponting kept only four times, all at club level in the mid-1990s, and never donned the gloves in international cricket. Anderson’s middle order featured Joe Root at No. 4, coming at the expense of Steve Smith, who is the third-highest run-getter in Ashes history.

Kevin Pietersen filled the No. 5 role, followed by the all-round duo of Ian Botham and Ben Stokes, with the latter also named captain, another decision questioned by many, considering Ponting remains the most successful Ashes captain with a 62.33% win rate. The bowling attack included Shane Warne as the lone spinner and the pace trio of Bob Willis, Glenn McGrath, and Stuart Broad. Anderson notably left himself out of the XI.

James Anderson’s all-time Ashes XI:

Don Bradman, Alastair Cook, Ricky Ponting (wk), Joe Root, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Botham, Ben Stokes (c), Shane Warne, Bob Willis, Glenn McGrath, Stuart Broad.